The thrust of the project is to bring the 90-year-old structure that crosses over the L.A. River and 5 Freeway up to modern-day seismic and traffic safety standards. But those issues became secondary as the project became embroiled in a heated controversy over efforts to eliminate a lane of traffic across the bridge and make more room for bikes and pedestrians.

In the end, the City Council approved adding bike lanes and widening a sidewalk on one side of the bridge but rejected the so-called road diet.

Glendale-Hyperion Bridge Update

Thursday, Feb. 22 | 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Friendship Auditorium, 3201 Riverside Drive

Also approved was the construction of a new pedestrian-and-bike-only bridge downriver from the Glendale-Hyperion span. Thursday’s meeting will in part be devoted to reviewing design concepts for the pedestrian-and-bike bridge and updates on the remaking of the Glendale-Hyperion bridge.

One major change has been the estimated cost, which now hovers around $62 million compared to the $50 million discussed back in 2015.

MARKET WATCHRecent Home Sales & Stats

During the last three months, the average sales price of all homes sold in Montecito Heights was $702,107 according to Redfin.com. The average home that was sold had 2.6 bedrooms, 1.8 baths and 1,349-square-feet of space. The average home lasted 54 days on the market before it was sold.

Chase: An armed robbery suspect fleeing the CHP struck a pedestrian near Velasco Street and Gleason Avenue in Boyle Heights Tuesday night before abandoning the vehicle and running into the neighborhood. The condition of the pedestrian is unknown, ABC 7 reported.

Homeless: The Bureau of Sanitation says it needs more than double the money it currently receives to remove homeless encampments as it faces a large increase in cleanup requests. Those requests have nearly tripled to about 1,900 a month during the past three years. The department is requesting $17 million for its Clean Streets Program in the coming fiscal year compared to this year’s $6.4 million. L.A. Times

East Hollywood Fire: A vacant home in the 800 block of N. Edgemont Street in East Hollywood collapsed after it was engulfed in flames Tuesday morning. It took firefighters about 24 minutes to put out the blaze near L.A. City College. No injuries were reported, and the cause of fire had not been determined. LAFD

Cypress Park Fire: Firefighters quickly extinguished a fire that broke out Tuesday morning in a one-story home in the 2800 block of Macon Street in Cypress Park. The fire was limited to an area near a wall heater and a portion of the attic. No injuries reported. LAFD

Coco: 1st District Councilmember Gil Cedillo will declare Coco’ Day in L.A. during a Feb. 27 celebration of the Disney animated film

BOYLE HEIGHTS — The high-speed pursuit of a pickup truck Tuesday night ended when the allegedly stolen vehicle jumped on the Gold Line tracks and disappeared into a train tunnel under 1st Street near Lorena Street, according to various news accounts.

Officers did not follow the westbound truck into the tunnel. However, a Gold Line train traveling in the same direction entered the same tunnel and then an eastbound train exited the tunnel traveling on adjacent tracks, said the L.A. Times.

The driver was apprehended after the vehicle had become stuck near the Mariachi Plaza station in Boyle Heights, according to CBS2.

The driver had been going as fast as 80 miles per hour, according to CBS2, across neighboring East Los Angeles, where it had slammed into a taxi and traveled the wrong way on streets before heading into the east end of an approximately 2-mile-long Gold Line tunnel near Evergreen Cemetery. Except for a short curb, there are no barriers between traffic lanes and the train tracks near the tunnel entrance.

There were no reports of injuries inside the tunnel. Passengers riding in the taxi suffered minor injuries, according to CBS2.

Metro ran shuttle buses to transport passengers after halting trains between the Pico-Aliso and Indiana stations for about five hours.

At about the same, an unrelated CHP pursuit of an armed robbery suspect ended about a block south of the tunnel entrance after the driver fled on foot after the vehicle struck a pedestrian, ABC 7 reported.

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]]>http://www.theeastsiderla.com/2018/02/cant-get-enough-echo-park-sign-up-for-the-echo-park-weekly-email/feed/0http://www.theeastsiderla.com/2018/02/cant-get-enough-echo-park-sign-up-for-the-echo-park-weekly-email/Atwater Village bakery discovers that not even your safe is safe from burglarshttp://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheEastsiderLa/~3/DF3yCuQoRVY/
http://www.theeastsiderla.com/2018/02/not-even-your-safe-is-safe-from-atwater-village-burglars/#respondTue, 20 Feb 2018 18:18:36 +0000https://www.theeastsiderla.com/?p=137426

ATWATER VILLAGE — The Instagram and Facebook page of The Village Bakery & Cafe is mostly filled with photos of colorful and mouth-watering cookies, cakes and brunch specials. But this week the most notable photo was a blurry, black-and-white surveillance camera shot of the burglars who broke in this weekend, stealing a wide variety of items, including the bakery’s safe.

The break-in at the Los Feliz Boulevard bakery took place on Friday morning, according to the bakery’s social media accounts. After smashing through a front window, the burglars took computer and stereo equipment as well as the store safe. “The. Entire. Safe,” said a Facebook post.

“We thank you all for the love and concern you’ve shown us over the past few days,” the bakery said on Facebook. “Many have asked if there’s anything you can do for us and my answer is yes: just keep walking through our doors and keep telling your friends about us! We love you all and we believe in karma!”

About a hundred businesses have so far received temporary approval from City Hall to sell cannabis for recreational use. Only a few of those shops and businesses permitted to engage in “commercial cannabis activity” are on the Eastside. But the list is growing.

The city’s Department of Cannabis Regulation is already making more money than expected since selling recreational marijuana to customers age 21 and over became legal on Jan. 1 with property city and state permits, according to the L.A. Times. Revenue through June is expected to be about $3.5 million.

The Daily News notes that, as one might expect, the early permits went to medical marijuana dispensaries that already existed and had “limited immunity” to keep operating under the city’s old system for medical marijuana.

The new cannabis permits to sell recreational pot will be issued to retailers, growers, distributors and other related businesses. However, those same businesses will also need a state permit as well to legally start selling recreational marijuana.

The permitted pot shops and businesses must abide by numerous rules and regulations. One way to know you’ve found a legitimate dispensary: The temporary city permit will – by law – be displayed where you can see it from outside. You’ll also find signs forbidding you from loitering, drinking and, yes, smoking or otherwise consuming cannabis in public. Hours are 6 a.m. at the earliest to 10 p.m. at the latest. And, sorry, free samples are not permitted.

It’s clearly a new world. Occidental College’s newspaper The Occidental notes that Cornerstone Research Collective on Colorado Boulevard in Eagle Rock is offering a 5% discount to Occidental students – a target demographic which, in earlier generations, would certainly not have needed a discount to encourage a purchase.

Owner Carlos de la Torre told The Occidental that the permits have meant more responsibility as well business:

“It’s a relief, I suppose,” De la Torre said. “However, there is a little bit of apprehension as well because with this new chapter comes a lot more responsibility.” De la Torre said that since obtaining the recreational license, he and his employees have been working hard to measure, label and package the cannabis in order to comply with statewide standards. “There’s a very measured way we do everything.”

ECHO PARK — What the heck is that? That’s what Dean Decent was wondering last week when he spotted this strange looking object being carted away by park workers. According to workers, the item, which is composed of numerous tubes sticking out from half of a plastic sphere – was “once used for fireworks.” Well, probably not. Looks like it was a “fish attractor” that were installed a few years ago. The artificial fish habitat is now resting in a park dumpster.

A Roundup of Eastside Real Estate and Development News

Welcome to a digest of Eastside real estate news, development and people. In this week’s issue:

A 95-unit dorm is in the works for USC’s expanding health science campus in Lincoln Heights. Mariachis and other tenants in Boyle Heights have a rental deal that could keep them from being priced out of the neighborhood. In Atwater Village, two community groups have come out against a 419-unit apartment complex next to the L.A. River.

A 419-unit apartment complex next to the L.A. River on the border of Atwater Village and Glassell Park is being opposed by the Friends of the Los Angeles River and Clockshop, an arts group that stages events next to the apartment site. The groups sent a letter saying the project would “substantially impact surrounding residential communities, neighboring state park projects, and long-established river restoration efforts.” Curbed L.A.

Boyle Heights

An agreement has been reached between renters – several of them mariachis – and the landlord of a Boyle Heights apartment building over a sharp rent hike, KPCC reports. Tenants now will face much smaller increases and will have some back rent forgiven as part of a legal settlement with the landlord who wanted to raise rents by as much as 80%.

East L.A.

A $6 billion proposal to widen the 710 Freeway between Long Beach and East Los Angeles would displace more than 400 people who live in 109 homes next to the freeway. In addition, 158 businesses would have to also find new locations. The recommendation to add a lane in each direction to ease truck traffic congestion received the backing of Metro staff and is scheduled to be voted on by Metro’s board next month. L.A. Times

Echo Park

After digging a big hole, construction crews have begun working on the steel and wood frame for a four-story apartment building on Sunset Boulevard just east of Alvarado Street. The 36-unit building with underground parking will be shaped like a trapezoid to fit into an odd-shaped lot. Building permits were issued to Debora Nassirzadeh of B. Raeen Construction to build the $5.9 million apartment building. No word yet when construction will be completed.

Grading is underway for a new 12-home development on the hillside below Sargent Place and next to Bruce Court. The project has been in the works for more than a decade. But development stalled during the recession and the property changed ownership. The current developer, Planet Home Living, is familiar with the neighborhood, having been involved in projects on Douglas Street and off of Allesandro Street. The firm is nearing completion of a new development on Lake Shore Avenue.

Changes are in store for Par Paint, the neighborhood’s long-time paint store. The owners of the building at 1632 Temple have been granted permits to convert the warehouse-like building into two retail spaces. Par Paint will give up some space but will remain at the same location, said Cyrus Farooqi, who runs the store. It’s been about a decade since Par Paint moved to its current location after operating at the corner of Sunset and Lemoyne since 1949.

Urbanize LA observed concrete pillars sticking out of the ground in the 1900 block of W. Temple Street as a 200-unit residential project continues taking shape. The Alexan South Echo will be a six-story building that includes 22,000 square feet of ground-floor retail space and basement parking. The studio, one- and two-bedroom units are expected to be offered at rates of between $1,700 and $3,900 a month.

Elysian Heights

Three months after they started dating, Ellen Bennett and Casey Caplowe began the daunting task of designing a home in Elysian Heights after the bungalow Caplowe purchased was destroyed by fire. The result is a residence that offers modern design features — and a pet pig named Oliver. Architectural Digest

Lincoln Heights

A 95-unit dorm for USC’s health science campus is being proposed by American Campus Communities, America’s largest dormitory developer, according to Urbanize LA. Plans have been filed to build the 134,000-square-foot structure near San Pablo Street and Valley Boulevard, across from Lincoln Park. The graduate student dorms are part of a much larger plan to add more student housing, a hotel and medical and research facilities to the campus.

Silver Lake

Two Silver Lake homes — one considered a masterwork by architectural legend Rudolph M. Schindler, the other an uncelebrated duplex designed by a contractor no one has ever heard of — have been nominated to become city historic landmarks, according to The Eastsider.

A 45-unit condo development called The Terrace will hold a grand opening this weekend, with 3-bedroom units priced from the $800,000 range to more than $1 million. Victor Heights is the densely packed community wedged between Echo Park and the 110 Freeway. It’s the same neighborhood where a developer wants to build a million-square-foot residential and commercial project along Sunset Boulevard.

Notable Sale

A 3-bedroom unit sold for what appears to be a record-setting price for a condominium in Hermon, according to Redfin. The $535,000 condo at 6221 Monterey Road includes two bedrooms and two baths in nearly 1,500-square-feet of space. It’s the same building where a unit sold for $508,000 last year.

Forgotten River: State Sen. Anthony Portantino has introduced legislation to focus more attention on restoring the 22-mile Arroyo Seco, a portion of which runs through Lincoln Heights and Montecito Heights next to the 110 Freeway. Pasadena Star News

Protest: A protest was held outside the LAPD Hollenbeck Division station over the fatal shooting of Christian Escobedo last month by police officers. Police said they were responding to reports of a man with a gun in the 3400 block of North Amethyst Street in El Sereno when the 22-year-old Escobedo was fatally shot. Family and friends dispute the police account, saying Escobedo had fallen asleep a few blocks from his home after walking from El Monte. ABC 7

What’s Closed Today: Most city, county, state and federal offices are closed as are schools and banks in honor of Presidents Day. The will be no mail delivery. Daily News

Ofelia got out on 2/14/18 and we are worried sick about her. She is 3 yrs old, has a black reflective collar with a purple heart-shaped name tag. She is very curious and has a soft quiet meow. Incredibly sweet and loving. She is spayed and has all her vaccinations.

Please contact me if you see her. Any information would be appreciated! Her sister is also missing her very much.

A recap of some of the past week’s scenes, sightings and stories from across the Eastside.

An agreement has been reached between renters – several of them mariachis – and the landlord of a Boyle Heights apartment building over a sharp rent hike. Tenants now will face much smaller increases and will have some back rent forgiven as part of a legal settlement with a Boyle Heights landlord who wanted to raise rents by as much as 80%. KPCC

A new walking path across the South Dam of the Silver Lake Reservoir opened to a large crowd, who took in the views and explored the reservoir grounds that are normally closed to the public. The Eastsider

The 12-year-old student who was shot in a classroom at Sal Castro Middle School just south of Echo Park is a refugee whose father was killed in Iraq, his former teacher told CBS2. Issa Al-Bayati is back home now but a bullet is still lodged in his head and he has trouble with his vision and moving his legs. Al-Bayati was wounded when a gun contained in a fellow student’s backpack went off accidentally. CBS 2

Two small quakes rattled the Echo Park and Silver Lake area early Saturday morning, according to preliminary information posted by LA Quake Bot. A 2.9 quake hit around 2:20 a.m and a second tremor measuring 1 struck a few minutes later. These were defined as “micro quakes” by automated systems at the Southern California Earthquake Data Center but were apparently large enough to awaken and be felt by many people in El Sereno, Highland Park, North Hollywood and Pasadena, according to Twitter and Facebook users. The Eastsider

A $6 billion proposal to widen the 710 Freeway between Long Beach and East Los Angeles got backing from the staff of Metro to deal with increased truck traffic. Adding a lane in each direction would displace more than 400 people who live in 109 homes next to the freeway where it would be expanded. In addition, 158 businesses would have to also find new locations. The recommendation is scheduled to be voted on by Metro’s board next month. L.A. Times

After scraping up some of the dried gum that dots the sidewalks of Figueroa Street in Highland Park, about a dozen volunteers found themselves with another problem: gray stains left behind by the gum. The Eastsider

Actress Arielle Kebbel said her sister, Julia Kebbel, has been found about two weeks after she went missing in Silver Lake. Kebbel said her sister, a promotions director at NBCUniversal, was safe but did not explain her disappearance. Hollywood Reporter

For Valentine’s Day, a few couples shared their love stories and told how they’ve learned to juggle their personal and work relationships while making it look, taste and sound so good. The Eastsider

Two Silver Lake homes — one considered a masterwork by architectural legend Rudolph M. Schindler, the other an uncelebrated duplex designed by a contractor no one has ever heard of — have been nominated to become city historic landmarks. The Eastsider

What qualities would like to see in the next chief of police once Charlie Beck retires later this year? The police department is asking residents to take a survey on that question. LAPD

A 419-unit apartment complex next to the L.A. River in Glassell Park is being opposed by the Friends of the Los Angeles River and Clockshop, an arts group that stages events next to the apartment site. The groups sent a letter saying the project would “substantially impact surrounding residential communities, neighboring state park projects, and long-established river restoration efforts.” Curbed L.A.

Merced “Shadow” Cambero, a member of the Avenues gang, is expected to plead guilty for his alleged involvement in the killing and targeting of African-Americans in Highland Park 20 years ago. The 39-year-old Cambero, one of three men charged with killing Kenneth Kurry Wilson in April 1999, was arrested last year in Mexico after avoiding capture for more than a decade. My News LA

Picture of the Week

Linocut by Daniel Gonzalez

An updated version of “Huckleberry Finn” set in contemporary Los Angeles will hit bookstores this weekend. It’s the brainchild of Mount Washington author Tim DeRoche, who partnered with Highland Park artist Daniel Gonzalez to create an homage to Mark Twain’s beloved albeit controversial book while exploring current issues such as immigration, race and religion. The Eastsider

The Eastsider’s Daily email digest includes all new content published on The Eastsider during the last 24 hours. Expect the digest to land in your in email in box around 7 p.m. It’s free to sign up!

Murder: A 56-year-oldhomeless man pleaded not guilty to charges that he killed and dismembered his wife in Pasadena and then set her remains on fire in the parking lot of the Cypress Park Home Depot. Valentino Gutierrez, who allegedly transported his wife’s remains from Pasadena to Cypress Park on a Metro Gold Line train, faces a life sentence in prison if convicted. Pasadena Now

Video: The LAPD would release body cam and other department videos of officers involved in “critical incidents” 45 days after they take place under a new proposal awaiting review by the Police Commission. The department under Chief Charlie Beck has resisted efforts to make the videos public. L.A. Times

Tucked away from the street in a retreat-like hillside setting find this Spanish-style home. The great location in the coveted Mt. Washington Elementary School district places you in a hot neighborhood at a great price, with a peaceful backdrop and lovely canyon vistas. Providing two bedrooms, a full bathroom and a powder room for your guests, the residence features a bonus space with its own entrance, perfect as your creative office, studio or workshop.

Outdoor areas include a patio, balconies, and a place for your garden. You are surrounded by nature and enjoy close proximity to the Highland Park scene along Figueroa, including Cafe Birdie, Kitchen Mouse, Mason’s Dumpling Shop, Highland Park Bowl and many more.

Don’t miss out on the new price for this awesome hillside bungalow with magnificent views. Included in the sale is an adjacent parcel, the combined properties totaling over 9,500-square-feet. Refurbished with care by Belle Hampton Properties, the home impresses with high ceilings and windows that frame gorgeous vistas. Custom craftwork abounds in the open kitchen finished with wood cabinetry, quartz countertops, a full-height backsplash and stainless appliance suite.

There’s an office/flex-space and seamless access to an array of decks, patios, gardens and view-spots; choose the tranquil rear patio for morning coffee or the “sky box” viewing deck for dinner with friends. The home has many improved systems, ample off-street parking, and a great location in red-hot El Sereno.

Art walks. Pub crawls. Bike rides. Live music. There are a lot of events competing for your time and attention over the weekend. That’s why Eastside Weekend can help make most of your time with our picks of the most interesting things to do. Sign up now for the Eastside Weekend email newsletter to stay on top of what’s going on. In your inbox every Thursday.